Estriol; the ‘Good’ Estrogen Advances and Updates in its Clinical Uses Erin Lommen, NDa ©2013, Erin Lommen, ND Jay H Mead, MDb Journal Compilation ©2013, AARM DOI 10.14200/jrm.2013.2.0103 ABSTRACT Estriol, coined the “weaker” of the three endogenous estrogens, has significant therapeutic effects, some of which are little known to clinicians. Estriol provides numerous clinical benefits, commanding the attention of researchers dating as far back as 1966 and continues to garner substantial consideration as a valuable and viable therapeutic agent. Some of the most common and effective treatments that employ estriol include: hot flashes, insomnia, skin enhancement, vaginal atrophy and reduced frequency of urinary tract infections. Most recently, estriol has shown the potential to treat individuals with Th1-mediated autoimmune illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review article will update the clinical effects and benefits of estriol and further clarify the documented advances which support the substantial therapeutic benefits of estriol for autoimmune conditions. The availability of compounded estriol preparations will also be addressed. Keywords: Cytokines; Dendritic cells; Estriol; Menopause; Multiple sclerosis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Th1 autoimmunity a Corresponding author: Labrix Clinical Services, 16255 SE 130th Avenue, Clackamas OR 97015, USA, Tel.: 503-656-9596; Fax: 503-656-9756; Cell: 503-516-4741, E-mail:
[email protected] b Labrix Clinical Services, 16255 SE 130th Avenue, Clackamas OR 97015, USA Journal of Restorative Medicine 2013; 2: page 45 Estriol; the ‘Good’ Estrogen INTRODUCTION Due to the well-known and documented risks naturally occurring estrogens in women: estrone (E1), associated with estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) has long E2, and E3.8 The developing follicles in the ovaries piqued the interest of researchers and clinicians.1 For are responsible for producing the majority of the estro- decades, E3 has proven its efficacy in the success- gens.